Veterinary Technicians May Be The Key To Tackling The Workforce Crisis
The underutilization of veterinary technicians may be contributing to the workforce crisis, states the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) head economist, Matthew Salois.
Salois during the AVMA’s House of Delegates’ Veterinary Information Forum, highlighted how the under usage of technicians had partly contributed to wider issues with practice inefficiencies and turnover.
Dr. Wendy Hauser, a delegate at the meeting stated that poor technician retention was, in part, due to practice owners’ inability to create a well-rounded professional identity for them.
‘We ask them to be janitors instead of aligning their talents and passions to the mission of the practice’ Dr. Hauser said.
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Female Vets In Afghanistan Share Their Stories
Female veterinarians in Afghanistan fear for their futures amid the recent Taliban takeover.
The Taliban’s strict interpretation of Shariah (Islamic law) has left many women in a state of anxiety. Some women are seeking refuge abroad amid fears they will be unable to practice in Afghanistan.
‘I was just shocked and scared’ said Dr. Tahera Razaei, a female veterinarian from Kabul.
Dr. Razaei was at work when the Taliban entered the capital. She was scared that she would be singled out on her way home as a working woman.
‘If the Taliban recognized [that] only I worked here with men, I didn’t know what would happen to me’, Razaei said.
Razaei is not the only woman in the city looking to escape. She is just one of thirty Afghan workers based at Kabul Small Animal Rescue, an organization with close ties to the US. Currently, all the employees and their families are looking to gain passage to the US.
Though the situation in Kabul remains stable, with the deadline for US and UK forces to leave the country fast approaching, the future seems uncertain.
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Veterinary Investment May Drop Post-Pandemic
The Wall Street Journal has warned investors that veterinary stocks may drop, post-puppy boom.
Between March and December 2020 almost 13 million households in the U.S attained a pet. Spending on veterinary practices, according to the American Pet Products Association, shot up substantially, causing a surge in veterinary investment.
But with the country moving out of lockdown, analysts at the Wall Street Journal have warned that veterinary investment may start waning as pet acquisition slows down and stocks adjust in value.
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ITV Reports On The Devastating Impact Of The Veterinary Shortage In The UK
The broadcaster ITV has published a report on the devastating impact of vet shortages in the UK.
The report revealed that many veterinary staff members have experienced abuse from clients unable to access care.
In some parts of Wales, owners are having to travel out of the country to acquire treatment.
Many vets in the report also questioned whether out of hour care was sustainable in the long term. Though emergency care is essential, many vets reported having to work out of hours for a number of non-emergency cases, putting considerable pressure on practices.
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Large Animal Vets Drop-off In Australia
Border restrictions have exacerbated an already severe large animal vet shortage in Australia.
The country has seen a number of prominent large animal practices close over the last couple of years due to a variety of reasons. The service/demand imbalance created has put even more pressure on large animal vets, trying to balance numerous clients at a time.
This issue, in part, is being driven by veterinary schools, which are training the majority of their vets to go into small animal care.
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How You Can Use Your Commute To Boost Your Health
Commuting has a bit of a bad reputation. Visuals of traffic, crowded trains, or takeaway coffees may come to mind.
But what if we told you that your commute may actually be a great time to boost your physical and mental health?
One of the best ways to utilize your commute is by using it as a time to prepare for work. Podcasts can be a great way to learn on the move or get yourself into a good headspace for a long shift.
Instead of catching the train to work, perhaps try and get some extra steps in and walk. Alternatively, cycling can be a great way to fit in cardio.
If you struggle with morning motivation, mindfulness podcasts can help decompress and alleviate stress. Some apps such as headspace have specific podcasts for mindful commuting- which can be great for busy vets on the move.
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